The breathtaking drive from Shanovo to Kolena

The breathtaking drive from Shanovo to Kolena

Bulgaria, europe

Length

12.7 km

Elevation

518 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! This hidden gem winds through the heart of Bulgaria's Thrace region, specifically Stara Zagora Province. We're talking about the mountain road linking Shanovo to Kolena, nestled in the Balkan range north of Stara Zagora.

The pavement's there, but let's be real, it's seen better days thanks to some seriously rough weather. It's a 12.7km (or almost 8 miles) stretch running north to south.

Get ready for some climbing! You'll hit a peak elevation of 518 meters (around 1700 feet). Some sections get pretty steep, with gradients reaching up to 8%. But hey, the views are worth it! Just keep your eyes peeled – this isn't a Sunday drive!

Where is it?

The breathtaking drive from Shanovo to Kolena is located in Bulgaria (europe). Coordinates: 42.8335, 25.6726

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Road Details

Country
Bulgaria
Continent
europe
Length
12.7 km
Max Elevation
518 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
42.8335, 25.6726

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